It drives me crazy when people think of their Powerpoint* slides as their "presentation". Really, truly crunchy-monkey-nut crazy. Today, I was so annoyed at this habit that I tweeted:
The tweet rang bells with a few folks, notably Chris Atherton. Well, I do like to ring bells - so, for the list fetishists among you, here are...
The Top 10 Reasons a Powerpoint Slidedeck is Just Like a Bra.
(You can also have this boring (?) list in Chinese, courtesy of ExcelPro.)
10. It is often used out of habit or insecurity - but there are plenty of situations where it only gets in the way
9. It's possible to send one by mail, but it is empty and lifeless, so why bother?
8. Technical troubles will occur at the most embarassing moments
7. Too much decoration can distract from content
6. It's certainly pretty, but do you really want someone else's design to cover up your uniqueness?
5. People usually try to fit too much inside**
4. People think they need the support, but forget it's a restriction too
3. Given confidence, you will often make a bigger impact without one
2. You can borrow or steal someone else's, but it will never fit like your own
and finally..
1. It may look basically similar, but you should NEVER confuse it with the Real Thing
Folks, Powerpoint isn't the presentation. YOU ARE.
Got any more? Add them in the comments... Oh, and you should follow me on Twitter...
LATEST: Linda Wu at SixMinutes comes back with
32 Reasons a Powerpoint Slidedeck is Nothing Like a Bra.
Thanks Linda!
32 Reasons a Powerpoint Slidedeck is Nothing Like a Bra.
Thanks Linda!
* Or Keynote, or whatever. I don't care. Slideware. You know.
** Oprah said 8 out of 10 ladies wear the wrong size, usually too small. And what Oprah says...
** Oprah said 8 out of 10 ladies wear the wrong size, usually too small. And what Oprah says...
Posts
10 comment(s):
So, if the contents look disappointing without, I should ditch them?
Also, I believe the bit after the ellipsis in "what Oprah says..." is "...is mostly utterly moronic and/or woo-woo".
I know it's true, my psychic told me.
How about 'when you have a lot to pack in, a bit of support can be comfortable and effective'?
Many women wear bras. Many presenters use slides. The combination is popular for a reason.
Slides shouldn't replace presenters, but that doesn't mean a presentation should never be combination of presenter and their slides. Not everybody feels comfortable naked, and frankly, some people look better with clothes on.
"Not everybody feels comfortable naked, and frankly, some people look better with clothes on."
This culture has trained us to be insecure around our content. If we had more practice and good role models for unsupported content, we'd all be more comfortable with it, and be able to deal with it in more constructive ways.
(I agree, support can be useful, but the OP is spot-on.)
Very witty, and I loved the title! Will retweet now...
Thanks,
Lily Iatridis
www.BoomerangPresentations.com
Thanks for your thoughts, folks!
Kat - you mean Oprah isn't the highest objective authority? Say it ain't so!
Joby - not never, no, but not always either. I know you disgree, but I believe Powerpoint is, used far too often.
Anonymous - nice use of parody there yourself!
Lily - thanks for the RT; like the blog!
Haha, it's funny 'cause boobs. #6, a human trafficking joke, or confusion about the nature of online shopping? You be the judge!
Sorry, #9. My lysdexia is pretty awesome today.
Tahnks Meg!
Adam
Totally agree with you. PowerPoint dilutes your power.
Tsufit
Author, Step Into The Spotlight!
Thanks Tsufit! Down with slideware!
Post a Comment